The MI9 Escape Knife is linked to various branches of the British military that operated between 1939 and 1945. As far as multitools go, it weighed a little > 8oz, or about 3oz more than the original leatherman PST. Not a lightweight tool by any means, but definitely lighter than something like the Leatherman Surge or the Supertool 300.
Although it’s clearly linked to the Second World War, its origins seem to stem back all the way to the year 1900, when Joseph Rodgers & Sons were granted a British Registered Design for a tool called a “Military Wire Cutter Knife” (seen in the magazine article below as **Photo 2**). It featured a pair of wire cutters, a spear point blade and a can opener blade.
One of MI9’s most illustrious inventors is Clayton Hutton aka “Clutty”, an experienced veteran of the 1st World War, who was in charge of designing & distributing escape gear items like miniature compasses, silk maps, and fountain pen-sized spring loaded guns that fired gramophone needles. His masterpiece however was the MI9 Escape Tool, which featured a strong blade, screwdriver, three saws, a “lock forcing tool” and a pair of wire cutters (seen below).
Given its intended use in clandestine operations, the tool bore no markings to identify it, which is part of the reason why there is very little information known about how many were made or its manufacturers.
Curious to point out how similar the design is to something like the Russian made Ratnik 6E6 multitool.
For those who are more curious, more information about this tool and Clutty’s escape stories can be read in his book “Official Secret”: [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28687775-official-secret](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28687775-official-secret)
All pictures from Knife World, Brian M. Moyse and Roy Shadbolt.
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by doctorcalavera
1 Comment
As a former straight razor user, Joseph Rodgers & Sons was one of the only makers of razors and cutlery to be given a Royal Warrant by the British Crown. IIRC, that warrant has been renewed with successive sovereigns including the late Queen Elizabeth II.
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Not just a rare piece of kit, but also an extremely well made one, I am sure.